KUALA LUMPUR: A second-hand goods dealer was duped of RM15,000 by a man posing as a representative of the Royal Malaysia Police Welfare Organisation (Perqaseh).

       Kuala Lumpur Commercial Crime Investigation Department head ACP Mohd Mahidisham Ishak said the imposter had promised the victim that it would be easier to obtain a licence to run his second-hand goods business if he gave a donation to the fund.

       From April until September, the victim made three transactions totalling RM15,000 in cash to four individuals claiming to be representatives of Perqaseh, he said.“The victim only realised he was cheated when he did not receive the licence as promised.

       “Initial police investigations with Perqaseh confirmed that the welfare organisation never received any donations in cash and hence, the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

       ACP Mohd Mahidisham reminded the public that PDRM had never appointed any individual, company or association nor stipulated for any sum of donation to be received, to process or approve any application linked to securing a dealer licence for a second-hand goods business.

       “The public is advised to only apply for licences via approved channels and not through individuals or organisations and to immediately report to police if they receive a similar offer or receive any information regarding this issue,” ACP Mohd Mahidisham said.